If Google were to put itself in to the geo-location game right now there may be some real howling about Google and world domination. Well, leave it to Google not to be completely out of any game. In the case of the check-in craze that is being pioneered by foursquare, Gowalla, Loopt and others, Google has found a way in without having their own 'product'. How you ask? Google tells us at the Geo Developers blog
We have been delighted with the enthusiasm we have seen for the Places API, and the innovative ways in which developers would like to use it. We have seen applications that offer check-in to places and need to identify an individual place at which a user is currently located, applications looking to show a user Places around them, and applications looking to offer a search and browse experience for Places similar to that offered on Google Maps.
We are going to focus initially on check-in applications. These are the applications that we feel the API currently caters to well, and we are excited to work with developers building these applications to understand their requirements, and ensure that we are offering them the best possible experience.
When we previewed the Places API back in May we indicated that we planned to begin processing applications in July. I'm happy to say that we have now begun reaching out to developers who have expressed an interest in building check-in applications using the API, including those working on client applications for the Buzz API.
So Google is in the game without being in the game, so to speak. Let's face it, there is nowhere online where Google will not be in some way manner shape or form. Maybe Google is going to let the developer community work out the kinks and make the mistakes while Google gets to sit right next to them as they do it. Who knows?
With all the talk of Google looking to get into the social networking game it only makes sense that geo-location functionality wouldn't be far behind. What do you think this might all look like one day? Will Google be a real player in more than just search when it comes to the social check-in world?
It's Friday Pilgrims. Check-in with your thoughts before you check out for the weekend.